20 CAR § 1025-502 – Infant and toddler-specific program requirements

(a) The facility shall provide a safe and clean learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, with age-appropriate materials and equipment arranged to support learning.
(b)
1. (1) Toys used by infants and toddlers shall be safe and sanitized as needed to help prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
2. (2) Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized shall not be used.
(c) Infants and toddlers shall have a learning and play environment that shall include staff being on their level interacting with them frequently when they are awake.
(d)
1. (1) The facility shall implement relationship-based practices that promote consistency.
2. (2) Infant and toddler caregivers and teachers shall:
  1. (A) Respond promptly to cries and calls of distress by verbally acknowledging, gently touching, and holding children;
  2. (B) Engage children in frequent rich social exchanges in a variety of ways, for example:
(i) Holding;
1. (ii) Patting;
  1. (iii) Making frequent eye contact;
    1. (iv) Smiling;
    2. (v) Singing; and
    3. (vi) Using a pleasant, calm voice in conversation;
  2. (C) Engage children in frequent positive social exchanges during routine care, such as:
    1. (i) Eating;
    2. (ii) Diaper changing;
    3. (iii) Toileting; and
    4. (iv) Preparing for rest;
  3. (D) Provide consistent emotional support to infants and toddlers by:
    1. (i) Acknowledging their feelings and emotions; and
    2. (ii) Providing physical and verbal support;
  4. (E) Communicate consistently with parents and guardians by:
    1. (i) Greeting them warmly; and
    2. (ii) Exchanging information that promotes continuity between the center and the child’s home; and
  5. (F) Engage in play activities with children by:
    1. (i) Providing a safe environment to explore;
    2. (ii) Modeling play behavior such as imagination and use of toys and equipment; and
    3. (iii)
(a) (a) Providing verbal encouragement and support.
(b) (b) See Office of Early Childhood website for brain development diagram.
(e) It is recommended that the facility promote continuity of care for infants and toddlers by maintaining consistency in staffing.
(f) Staff shall plan and provide experiences that meet infants’ and toddlers’ needs and stimulate learning in the developmental areas of self-concept, physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language, as found in the Arkansas Framework for Infant and Toddler Care.
(g) The center shall have an approved curriculum with weekly lesson plans appropriate for the developmental needs of each group of children, when available.
(h) Infants and toddlers shall be taken outside for a period of time every day unless prevented by weather or special medical conditions.
1. (i)
2. (1) Outdoor play for infants and toddlers may include riding in a carriage or stroller.
3. (2) However, infants and toddlers shall be offered opportunities for gross motor play outdoors as well.
(j) An age-appropriate daily schedule for each age group shall be:
1. (1) Posted in each classroom; and
2. (2) Accessible to parents and staff.